TDF says there is now a “real public appetite” for 5G Broadcast, which the French transmission company describes as a “major step forward for Digital Terrestrial Television”.
It follows the completion of the Live Test 5G Broadcast, launched during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as the world’s first large-scale 5G Broadcast transmission. TDF is now anticipating its deployment in collaboration with its publisher partners.
Karim El Naggar, TDF’s Director General of Audiovisual and Networks, said: “In a context where the consumption of video content on the move is becoming unavoidable, the mobile broadcasting of DTT channels represents an opportunity to allow them direct and fluid access and ultimately develop their audience. As a technological and strategic partner of the channels, we continue to innovate alongside them to support their uses and meet their needs: audience rejuvenation, mobile use, carbon footprint control, etc. 5G Broadcast is a solution that addresses these challenges and that we look forward to deploying.”
5G Broadcast technology allows people with a compatible smartphone to receive linear TV programs without a Wi-Fi connection or mobile data consumption.
A survey conducted on behalf of TDF found “strong enthusiasm” for mobile television outside of the home.
This included 24% of 15-49 year olds watch traditional television programmes live on their mobile at least once a month; Public transport is a key place for video consumption; More than 1 in 2 people aged 15-49 say they are willing to use 5G Broadcast to watch TV on the go.
TDF says that like DTT, 5G Broadcast is a technology that consumes less energy than internet networks, which limits its environmental impact.
